Priyanka Gandhi To Make Poll Debut From Wayanad? Speculations Intensify

Speculation about Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's electoral debut has been reignited once again, with sources indicating that she may run for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat if Rahul Gandhi vacates it.

Rahul Gandhi, who secured landslide victories in both Raebareli and Wayanad, recently suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would have lost by a large margin if Priyanka had contested against him in Varanasi.

The possibility of Priyanka running has been a topic since the 2019 elections when it was rumoured she might challenge Modi in Varanasi. Although this did not happen, she hinted at running in the 2022 Uttar Pradesh elections, even suggesting she could be a chief ministerial candidate, a claim later downplayed by her.

Ahead of the 2024 elections, Sonia Gandhi moved from Raebareli to the Rajya Sabha, fueling speculation that Priyanka would contest from Raebareli while Rahul would try to reclaim Amethi from BJP's Smriti Irani. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had expressed a desire for both Gandhi siblings to run, emphasising its importance for the party's image.

Priyanka decided not to contest, reportedly to avoid reinforcing BJP's dynastic politics narrative, sources close to her informed. Instead, she focused on campaigning in Raebareli and Amethi, contributing to the Congress's strong performance in Uttar Pradesh, where the party won 43 of 80 seats in alliance with the Samajwadi Party, reducing BJP's tally to 33.

Rahul Gandhi's potential shift to Raebareli would likely lead to Priyanka contesting the Wayanad bypolls, expected within six months of his vacating the seat. This move is seen as crucial due to Uttar Pradesh's significance in national politics, reported NDTV. While some Congress leaders and workers in Wayanad have urged Rahul to retain his seat there, banners have also suggested Priyanka to take over if he finally decides to leaves.

Kishori Lal Sharma, the newly-elected MP from Amethi who ousted Smriti Irani from the seat, has also urged the Gandhi scion to relinquish Wayanad for Raebareli. Meanwhile, Kerala Congress chief K Sudhakaran has also hinted that Rahul may finally pick Raebareli.

Sudhakaran said, "We should not be saddened as Rahul Gandhi who is supposed to lead the nation cannot be expected to remain in Wayanad. Therefore, we should not be sad. Everyone should understand that and give all their wishes and support to him".